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Sore back keeps Lind out of Blue Jays' lineup

Sore back keeps Lind out of Blue Jays' lineup

TORONTO -- Blue Jays first baseman Adam Lind missed his second consecutive game on Friday night because of back soreness.

Lind has been dealing with back issues for the past few years, but had the issue flare up during a game against the Orioles on Wednesday night.

Toronto didn't post its lineup until late Friday afternoon, because it was waiting to see if Lind received clearance to play. Just prior to game time, he was deemed unfit to go.

"We're waiting on him now. He was going to go out and take some swings and get a better idea," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said before the lineup was announced. "We'll go day by day with him."

Lind still remains optimistic that he will be able to play in one of the Blue Jays' final two games of the season. He will be questionable for both Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

The 30-year-old was adamant in Baltimore that he wasn't prepared to shut things down for the season, even with the club nearing the end of its run. Lind spent time on the disabled list because of a sore back in both 2011 and '12, but managed to avoid a similar fate this season.

Lind also still has plenty at stake, considering he has a club option on his contract for 2014. The Blue Jays will have to decide whether to exercise the $7 million option for next year, or instead decide to buy it out for $2 million.

The Blue Jays won't make that final call until after the World Series as per club policy, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos strongly hinted this week that Lind would be back with the club next year. Lind enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence this season, and he is hitting .285 with 23 homers and 64 RBIs while posting an .850 OPS in 141 games.